The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) ethnic army groups met with the Myanmar government for political discussions in an official first time pre-negotiation meeting at The Holiday Inn Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand today at 9 am.
External and internal media groups are watching and are interested in the ongoing meeting between the UNFC and the government negotiation groups because this meeting determines the fate of the current conflict situation, the war in Kachin state, and political equal rights for ethnic groups in Myanmar.
In previous non-official meetings between the UNFC negotiators and the government, few government members attended. For today’s meeting, many upper-level government officials were in attendance; the cabinet of union ministers and negotiators from the Myanmar Peace Center attended.
Representing the Myanmar government was Union Minister U Aung Min, U Khin Yi and U Own Myint, U Tun Tun Oo (deputy/ second Attorney-General ), U Hla Maung Shwe, U Tin Maung Than, U Kyaw Soe Hlaing, U Kyaw Yin Hlaing, U Min Zaw Oo, U Thi Han, U Nyo Own Myint. In total seventeen members were in attendance.
The UNFC was supported by twelve members led by Nai Hong Sar and Dr. Lajar.
The main issues discussed were related to policy changes and the nearly two-year war in Kachin State.
The Nippon Foundation of Japan and Thai government officials supported the meeting as consultory supervisors.
Discussions are expected to last until evening. It is uncertain as to whether all topics will be covered today or whether another meeting may follow.
